When you first take up golf, you have the challenge of selecting the right equipment. And as if that wasn’t enough to consider already, how you dress for the course is also important.
Whilst many clubs have relaxed their rules over the last few years, some still maintain a strict dress code. With that said, choosing men’s golf clothing can be tricky. However, if you follow the basics and bear the tradition and etiquette of your golf club in mind, you can’t go wrong. And remember – although it pays to look good, you also need apparel and footwear that is comfortable to wear and doesn’t stop you from playing at your best! For more information, you can check and visit ReachPar for a great guide on Playing Golf for Beginners.
The do’s and don’ts for dressing for the course
Do:
- Wear a collared polo shirt – either long or short-sleeved – and tuck it in
- Wear smart trousers/chinos that kiss your golf shoes or shorts that fall just above the knee
- Add a belt
- Protect your head and eyes from the elements with a golf cap
- Layer up with a sweatshirt or waterproof jacket for cold golf days
Don’t:
- Wear a loose-fitting t-shirt or sports top
- Wear jeans or jogging bottoms
- Wear short shorts or cut-offs
- Wear large or noticeable pieces of jewellery
- Tuck your trousers into your socks
But what about your footwear?
As a general rule of thumb, you want to avoid wearing flip flops and sandals in the summer months and work shoes that will make an impression on the green. In most cases, a decent pair of trainers should suffice – but it’s worth double-checking with the course beforehand to make sure.
Spiked golf shoes are no longer allowed at most golf courses but, even if they were, they can be uncomfortable to wear given the amount of walking you’ll be doing when playing 18-holes!
Although men’s golf shoes aren’t obligatory for a round of golf, a good pair of soft spike or spikeless golf shoes will:
- ensure a snug fit
- offer unrivalled comfort
- have a stable, solid arch support
- evenly distribute body weight
- provide flexibility
- allow your feet to breathe
- benefit the course, ensuring minimal damage
What’s more, spikeless shoes tend to cost less than their spiked counterparts anyway, which means you can save yourself a couple of pounds in the meantime.
And as for your socks, almost any pair will do when you’re wearing trousers. But with shorts, we suggest white socks that sit just below the ankle. Avoid brightly coloured socks or “no-show” socks.
Find all the essentials you need for a round of golf, and more!
If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a pair of golf shoes, check out Clarkes’ Golf Centre. They stock all the well-known brands – including Adidas, Callaway, FootJoy, Nike, and more – and provide the latest releases in an assortment of sizes and colourways. So, you should have no issue finding a pair that fits and complements the rest of your golfing attire.
Oh, and if you need to add a few stylish staples to your golfing wardrobe – be it smart polo shirts, base layers, jumpers, shorts or waterproof coats and trousers – they also have you covered.